Talk to me about camel hair (vs wool) - YouLookFab Forum

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Talk to me about camel hair (vs wool)

Runcarla

Veteran

A winter dress coat is on my list for F/W, and one I’m considering comes in two different fabrications. One is 78% wool, 22% polyamide and the other is 71% camel, 21% wool, 8% polyester. In some cases the camel is noted to be ‘recycled camel’. There are several colours in both fabrications.

I don’t recall ever owning anything with camel hair and I’m hoping at some point to be able to check out the items in a store so that I can do a touch test. Is camel hair warmer or cooler than an item that is mostly wool? Is the texture softer or courser? Does it repel moisture/snow better? Is it more resistant to piling?

Any insight on the benefits of camel hair vs wool?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

kkards

Veteran

I thought camels hair was supposed to be lightweight but warm..
https://www.cashmere.org/facts.php

Synne

Veteran

Thought you were talking about hair color, haha! What a fancy name for a blonde mane.
I am no expert, but aren't camel coats a little longer in the nap? Not as fuzzy as angora.

Runcarla

Veteran

@ Synne - LOL! Edited title to clarify.

bj1111

Veteran

what @kkards said. also can be very soft and cushy --poor (wo)man's cashmere.

Joyce B

Veteran

Camel hair makes a nice fabric, it is warm and light weight and I think may not be as prone to get moths as wool is.

celia

Veteran

Once upon a time I used to wear a coat from my mother that was made of camel hair. I remember it had a nice feel to the touch and was warm. Also, it worked well for light rain.

nemosmom

Veteran

Ditto kkards! Camel hair is hollow like cashmere, so very insulating. Also, it's less scaly than sheep's wool, so it's softer to the touch.

I bought a coat last winter that's 71% camel, 21% wool 8% poly and rated to -30C. It was fine in light snow - water did not soak through it at all. I LOVE it.

https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/.....olor=16992

ETA find

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Anonymous

I love coats in camel hair - much more so than plain old wool . It feels and looks more luxurious . It’s been years since I had one - I’ve only owned one Max Mara bathrobe style coat and it’s long gone , sadly . As to warmth - better at trapping and holding air than wool too .

rebekahphoto

Veteran

love a camel hair coat, super soft and light! I used to come across them in the thrift store, and they often were still in mint condition

JAileen

Veteran

I’ve had two 100 percent camel hair coats. They were very light, very soft and very warm. I wore them to work every day, and they were wonderful. I still have one, but it doesn’t fit. The color would be great for you.

Style Fan

Veteran

I sometimes see camel hair coats in consignment stores. They look beautiful. Unfortunately, they are always the wrong size for me. I have heard that they are very warm and wear well.

Runcarla

Veteran

@ nemosmom - THAT’S THE ONE I’M LOOKING AT!

nemosmom

Veteran

OMG NO WAY! I love LOVE LOVE this coat!

Runcarla

Veteran

YES! ‘WAY! Okay - no more yelling. I’m torn between camel colour and tan. This would be my ‘good’ winter coat - for over dresses, and special occasions.

Finds are my winter coats atm (Merlot puffer, and black pea coat)

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nemosmom

Veteran

Hmm… which dressy clothes do you think you’ll pair with it most?

I like the tan for you (over the black, but mainly because you have a black pea coat already). I see tan being more welcome than black in spring, but that may be my own bias… i like how the tan ‘bookends’ your hair. Oh! And you could layer your tan Uniqlo under it (unnoticeably), if it were incredibly crazy-cold…

I do like the black for how it pairs with lilac... and how it hides dirt or slush better than light colors… hmm ok I am no help LOL!

Whatever color you choose, I can vouch for the coat! It’s a great coat.

nemosmom

Veteran

Back to add: here is the thread where i was debating the coat:

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ich-coat-2

Not sure if it helps, since you’re already sold on the cut/silhouette...

I did end up buying it, and discovered I love it with everything - from nicer outfits to jeans and stompy boots! I wore it more than my parka last year. My parka is waterproof but sweaty. This coat breathes and still keeps me warm.

Runcarla

Veteran

@ nemosmom - thanks!

missvee

Veteran

I have the Aritzia Stedman coat with the recycled cashmere and I thought it was great value for the money. The fabric is not as lush as Max Mara, but it was a style that suited me better anyway. I didn’t wear it all that much, mainly because I was walking all of the time during the pandemic and preferred a parka with a hood. But I’m looking forward to bringing it out this winter!

Anonymous

Love the tan coat! I'm hunting something like that and wondered about the itch factor.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I have seen my fair share of camel hair at second hand shops and I do think it gives a more luxe appearance than wool (when well made). Coat under consideration looks great in tan.

rachylou

Veteran

I’m learning a lot here. I feel like camel hair used to be the name of the game once upon a time, but never had one!